Weekend Guide: 8 Activities We're Sweet On

Chocolate, music and a whole lot of Mardi Gras await in the capital city.

Thursday, Feb. 8

"Breakfast at Tiffany’s" Opening Night at The Studio Theatre: Oh, Miss Holly Golightly, how we love thee. Watch Truman Capote's classic novella unfold on this local theater's stage, complete with oversized sunglasses and cigarette extenders. The show runs on weekends through Feb. 18. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. For more info, click here.

Friday, Feb. 9

Second Friday Art Night at various locations downtown: It’s time for the monthly roundup of downtown businesses opening their doors for an after-hours gallery walk. After burst pipes and renovations, Bella Vita Jewelry is back and celebrating its revamped space with a super sweet Valentine party. Yes, there will be chocolate. Other highlights include Mardi Gras fun at Mariposa Studio and exhibit openings at the Historic Arkansas Museum and CALS Butler Center. The fun lasts until 8 p.m. For more info, click here.

Mardi Gras in Arkansas at the Rev Room: The Boys & Girls Club of Central Arkansas is getting the Mardi party started early with this annual bash. The fun includes food, drinks, a silent auction and more beads than you can count. It all starts at 8 p.m. For more info, click here.

Saturday, Feb. 10

SoMa Mardi Gras Parade and Festival on South Main St.: Now the beads really start to fly. This bash gets bigger every year, and this year you can expect food trucks, a beer garden, music, a beard contest, tons of food specials and a big ol' parade, followed by an after party for the pups. It's pretty simple logic. Be there. The parade kicks off at 24th Street at noon. For more info, click here.

Valentine Fair at the Old State House Museum: It's downright adorable. Pack up the family and head to this historic spot for a lesson in love, including hands-on activities for all ages. Stop in between 1-4 p.m. For more info, click here.

15th Annual Chocolate Fantasy Ball at the Statehouse Convention Center: Have mercy. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas will host its "crystal anniversary" event including music, dancing, auctions, dinner, live entertainment and of course, unbelievable amounts of chocolate. Pro tip: Don't skip on the signature chocolate martinis. The sweetness starts at 6 p.m. For more information, click here.

Sunday, Feb 11

Barkus on Main in the Main Street Creative Corridor: Yep, the Mardi party continues, and this time, there are puppies. The 300 block of Main Street will close off for a pet parade followed by live music, gumbo, a crawfish boil at Brewski's, a hurricane station and a Rebel Kettle beer garden, as well as an after party for Fido. The cuteness begins at 2 p.m. For more info, click here.

Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 10 & 11

Music City Hit-Makers at the Robinson Center: It's like your playlist of favorite country hits on shuffle. Three of Nashville's top singer-songwriters — ones behind hits from Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum — are teaming up with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra to perform some of those hits and tell the stories behind them. You have two chances to see the show: 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more info, click here.

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